Windows 10 PC Will Not Boot

For the past few weeks, I have been trying to install the latest windows security update onto my custom built PC. Every time I tried to update it would reach a certain point and then give me the error message "Unable to Complete Update, Undoing Changes" ( or whatever it says there). It gave me no information as to why it failed every time, but I got tired of having to restart my computer all of the time so I began actively trying to solve the problem.

First thing I tried:Downloaded the standalone installer, ensured that my internet was not set to metered connection (since that can prevent some updates from installing) and tried again. Same thing, update failed.

I ran the Windows Update Troubleshooter. It found a few errors and fixed all of them but one. I don't remember precisely what the error was, but I was something security related. After going through the list on the Microsoft website ( https://support.microsoft.com/en-ca/help/10164/fix-windows-update-errors ) and made it through to option 4. When I tried to run the sfc /scannow command, it told me that the scan could not be completed. For me, the next logical step was to reboot into safe mode and try to run the scan there.

I went in and set my computer to boot in safe mode, then restarted my computer. I got to the screen with the blue windows icon and that's where it stayed. I used the restart button on my computer and it brought me to the advanced startup page after displaying the logo screen with text at the bottom saying "Diagnosing Your P.C."

Things I have tried and what the result was:

Restart: Freezes at the Windows icon screen

Continue and Exit to Windows 10: Freezes at the Windows icon screen

System Image Recovery: Windows can not find a system image on this computer. (I have never created one)

Go back to the previous build: "We ran into a problem and won't be able to take you back to the previous bud. Try resetting your current build instead."

Enable debugging: Stuck at Windows icon.

Any version of Safe Mode from the Startup Settings: Stuck at Windows icon

Clear CMOS and try everything again: no change

Disable overclocking and try everything again: no change

Switch to Bios B (dual boot) because why not and try everything again: no change

Reseat ram: no change

I would re-install windows, but there are a few things that I do not want to lose (mainly game files in things I've been working on for years) that I fear will be lost when the operating system is uninstalled.

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learn how to use and install windows in PC's or desktop. Step 1: Purchase WindowsParallels Desktop for Mac does not include Microsoft Windows. If you don’t have a Windows copy, you can purchase Windows 10 from the Microsoft Online Store:Buy Windows 10 HomeBuy Windows 10 ProNote: visit this page if you need help to choose Windows 10 edition: Home or Pro.After the purchase please visit the Download Windows 10 page to create your own installation media and the Windows 10 page to learn more about upgrade from previous Windows versions.For earlier versions of Windows, please refer to retail stores or authorized online resellers, including Amazon.com.Step 2: Create a new virtual machineIn the Applications folder open Parallels Desktop and choose File > New.alttextClick Install Windows or another OS from DVD or image file, then click Continue.alttextStep 3: Select the installation mediaYou may install Windows from a DVD or an .iso disc image, or a bootable USB drive.Important: Windows installation files with an .exe extension can be used only to upgrade an existing Windows virtual machine (VM). If you are performing a new install to create a new Windows VM, the .exe installation file will not work. Please contact a retailer to request either a physical disc or an .iso image.Parallels Wizard will detect the installation media automatically for installing Windows.

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I'm very sorry but I don't understand the relevance of your comment. I am trying to get my Windows 10 PC to boot after I had an error with the OS, not run Windows on a Mac, which is what it seems your reply is about unless I am misinterpreting it.

It seems as though the Windows 10 "upgrade" process may not install all the files correctly, or maybe they're damaged, or maybe something else, but running Chkdsk has fixed quite a few of these minor glitches. Try running Chkdsk in "repair" mode to find any damaged files and correct them. If you can boot to an admin account in either normal Windows or Safe Mode, start by opening a command prompt as an admin. RIGHT click on the Start button, choose "Command Prompt (Admin). Once there, type chkdsk /f /r /x, leaving the appropriate spaces between the letters as shown, then press the Enter key. You should see a note that it can't be run till a restart is done, type "Y" for yes, then press the Enter key again. Close the command prompt and restart the computer. Chkdsk will run upon restart and will take quite a while to finish.. Don't panic when the progress bar stays at 10% for a long time. It's fairly normal and the Chkdsk process may take a couple of hours.

When it's finished, it will boot to your normal startup/lock screen and you can login normally and then see if things are working correctly again.

If you're unable to run Chkdsk, then it sounds like you've got some serious problems with either the hard drive or the Windows installation. As such, I don't think you have any options as to wiping the drive and reinstalling everything from scratch. It's what I would do.

I tried running a Chkdsk before I had the boot problems. I don't recall the results. I'll try running it from the Advanced Startup CMD. As it stands I can not boot the system at all. It freezes at the blue windows logo screen.

I didn't end up getting the sounds card since there was one integrated into the motherboard. BIOS was up to date last time I checked, and I know, OS install went well back when I did it. I've been running this build for a little over a year.

Please read the original post in its entirety. I attempted to install an update which continually failed. I ran through standard procedures and when my sfc scan failed I tried booting into safe mode. This boot failed and froze at the Windows icon. I no longer have access to my computer as it will not boot. I have listed everything I have tried, and what the response from the computer was. I am no longer worried about the update, but rather the fact that I can no longer use my computer.

To be sure you don't lose any data you forgot to backup, either do it on a new hard disk (and later get that data from the old disk) or first boot into a Linux disc or stick (free to make) to copy it to a USB-stick or external hard disk.

I was afraid of that, but based on any other reading I've done you seem to be right. I was really hoping somebody on here would happen to have a totally out there solution that would solve my problems, but alas, it appears that there is no easy solution.

As I don't know what update you tried to install plus how and why I'm stuck with you trying a Windows 10 Refresh. If that fails, you get you do the Windows 10 Reset (which wipes all files except for what you backup.)

It is a long post, I just tried to include as much info as possible. It was just the most recent security update. The refresh also failed, so it seems like a Windows 10 Reset is my only option. Thank you anyways!!

The only time that happens here is when there is something hardware or deep OS damage going on.

READ ME!!! I am sorry I didn't seem to mention a big thing I found. It's kinda simple and exasperating once you know about it. Ready? UNPLUG ALL USB THINGS and boot up. Wait for Windows to finish, disk activity to slow and then log in. This has fixed a few odd update failures. I can guess why but have yet to find a Microsoft answer.

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